Common Wealth: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not in Mass Politics?

Who’s Hot:

Deval Patrick – The Governor gave a big time speech at the Democratic Convention. His stock rose on the national level and set up two potential scenarios. One, if his friend Barack Obama wins a second term, then Patrick could join the administration in a top position. Two, if Obama loses, Patrick could be viable for a run for the White House. In the first scenario, Lt. Governor Tim Murray plays the role of Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift before him and gets the keys to the Governor’s office without ever being elected.

Elizabeth Warren – While Scott Brown hid in the proverbial bathroom so as not to be seen at the Republican Convention and played no public role in Tampa, Warren opened for Bill Clinton in primetime. Whether you like her message or not, she got big national, positive exposure and reportedly raised over $1 million from progressives while in Charlotte.

Mary Keefe – The winner of the five-way Democratic primary in Worcester's 15th District remarked during a candidate forum that "all power flows from relationships." That philosophy, and the ground game that comes with it, are likely to take the progressive community organizer all the way to the State House.

City Clerk David Rushford – Worcester's top recordkeeper scored his eighth two-year term earlier this week when the City Council voted 8-1 to keep him on the books through 2014. Hopefully Rushford's $10,000 raise takes some of the sting out of all the wedding gifts he won't be receiving this term.

Massachusetts – Former Governor Mitt Romney is the GOP candidate for President, Deval Patrick, Elizabeth Warren and even Tom Menino all played big roles in the two national conventions. Hard to see another state match the national impact of the Commonwealth. Moreover, Mass was a true bipartisan player, receiving plaudits from both parties.

Brad Wyatt – The Ron Paul supporter made a name for himself and some big noise at the GOP Convention. He shook up the Mass GOP, and while he and his fellow Paul supporters did not get everything they wanted, he did change the game in Tampa.

Who’s Not:

Worcester Tornadoes – While the Pawtucket Red Sox down Route 146 are the epitome of a well-run minor league baseball team, the Worcester Tornadoes proved to be a poster child for embarrassing, dysfunctional disasters. Jose Canseco, owner Todd Breighner, a pile of unpaid bills and a lousy team that didn’t win are just a few of the errors the club tallied on its scorecard this year.

The Democratic Party – Who screwed up the credentials of engaged citizenship activist David LeBoeuf, leaving one of Worcester’s most accomplished young progressives out in the cold and having to eat his travel costs? So much for compassion.

Economic Vision for Worcester – with an Economic Development Director and, now, a former councilman as a paid consultant, you would think someone might actually be developing a vision for the city's economic future. Don't hold your breath. Most businesses believe that the new tax structure is devastating. The city can, and must, do better.